Lower limb disorders

As an employer, you must protect your workers from the risks of developing lower limb disorders (LLDs) at work.

Lower limb disorders can affect the hip, thigh, knee, calf, ankle or foot. They include joint and soft tissue problems and can be caused or made worse by work. They may be either due to an acute injury or develop gradually over a period of time.

Protect your workers

You may not be able to prevent all cases of LLDs, but there are things you can do to help prevent symptoms or stop them getting worse, whether they are caused or made worse by work activities.

You must:

  • assess tasks which may involve a risk of lower limb disorders
  • put controls in place to protect your workers from the causes of LLDs at work

Consult and involve your workers and make sure they know how to report any injuries or symptoms.

A number of lower limb disorders are caused by overuse of joints and muscles. The best way to reduce risk is to design the work to avoid this, for example by:

  • changing working methods
  • providing mechanical aids
  • rotating workers between jobs to lessen the time spent carrying out 'risky' tasks
  • providing regular breaks
  • providing seating, where possible
  • providing, for example, knee pads or anti-fatigue matting
  • providing information and training about the risks

Causes of lower limb disorders at work

These disorders are more common in tasks at work that involve, for example:

  • repetitive kneeling and/or squatting
  • climbing stairs or ladders
  • heavy manual handling
  • prolonged standing

Symptoms

Symptoms include aches and pains, reduced range of movement, tenderness, stiffness, weakness, cramp and swelling.

If an employee has any of these symptoms, they may suggest overuse or an underlying condition.

Work-related conditions

Several conditions can be caused or made worse by work, such as:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints, for example, hips and knees. Farmers have a higher risk of suffering from hip osteoarthritis. Floor layers and cleaners have a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

Knee bursitis

Knee bursitis is caused by repetitive kneeling. It causes tenderness and swelling, and a reduction in knee movement.

Knee meniscal (cartilage) lesions/tear damage

If the knee is bent or twisted while bearing a load, the force may cause meniscal damage. Overuse, for example repetitive squatting or kneeling, is also associated with damage. This damage can lead to osteoarthritis.

Stress fracture

Stress fractures are caused by repeated micro-injuries to bone. They are more common in the armed forces and in athletes, particularly long-distance runners.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are dilated veins of the leg. Workers may complain of heaviness and pain, legs swelling, night-time calf cramps and restless legs. They are associated with prolonged standing and heavy lifting.

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Updated 2021-06-30